EVIDENCE BASE FOR SPORT

Athlete Transitions in Sport

Throughout life, there are many periods of change or transition that can impact a person’s identity, psychosocial wellbeing, and vocational path. These can include events like moving, starting, changing, or ending school, employment, relationships, and more. Even when beneficial, transitions can be stressful, especially when unexpected or sudden. ^{1, 9}

High performance athletes experience a range of transitions throughout their sporting careers. These can include entering the high-performance system, classification, categorisation, injury, selection/deselection, relocation, talent transfer, competing and/or eventual retirement from athletic careers. ^{2, 3, 4, 8, 9}

Internationally between a third to half of professional athletes transition out of sport (retire) involuntarily, with 55-84% remaining involved in sport in some capacity (e.g. coaching, playing at some level, administration, officiating). ⁷

Australia’s high performance sport strategy, Win Well 2032+, recognises the importance of holistic athlete development, that optimises not only sporting pathways and excellence, but also athletes’ transitions. ⁵

There are various resources available to help support athletes to build the skills and experience to navigate different transitions and to thrive in sport and in life.

"Knowing that transitions are normal and part of an athlete’s career validates the ups and downs we experience and helps normalise the idea that it’s okay to seek support."

Beki Smith OLY GAICD, Australian Olympian race walker - London 2012

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

This topic primarily covers the support offered by federal, state, and territory governments, recognised National Sporting Organisations (NSOs), and peak sporting bodies in Australia to help current and former categorised athletes navigate transitions, including into their post-sporting career lives. ⁶

For more information on the Australian Sports Commission, or if your National Institute/Academy or National Sporting Organisation are not represented on this page, please contact wellbeingandengagement@ausport.gov.au.

Australian Sports Commission

Health and wellbeing
Resources and links to services supporting athlete’s mental health, peer support programs, wellbeing, female health and coping with change.

Professional development and employment
Programs and resources designed to enhance professional skills, support vocational education and provide employment opportunities.

Grants and funding
Resources and links related to retirement grant and funding opportunities.

Community engagement
Programs and resources that connect athletes with opportunities in both sporting and non-sporting communities.

National Institute Network (NIN)

For more information, please contact the relevant national institute or academy.

Australian Capital Territory Academy of Sport

National Institute Network

Australian Capital Territory Academy of Sport

The Australian Capital Territory Academy of Sport (ACTAS) Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement services provide support to assist athletes in finding their right balance between life activities, training and competition and the requirements of elite sport. Services include:

Well-being
Personal development
Career and education
Lifestyle management
Community engagement
Sport transition support

New South Wales Institute of Sport

National Institute Network

New South Wales Institute of Sport

The New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement team is dedicated to supporting the development of exceptional athletes and well-rounded individuals. Their primary objective is to assist NSWIS scholarship athletes in making informed decisions that positively impact their athlete journey, performance, and overall life.

Queensland Academy of Sport

National Institute Network

Queensland Academy of Sport

The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement team offers direct and specialist support to each QAS supported athlete, as part of the wider Performance Support Team for each of the QAS supported programs. The team works to ensure that each athlete has a comprehensive Individual Life Plan (ILP) that enhances athletic performance by:

Supporting individual career and education goals
Identifying personal strengths and values
Facilitating personal development opportunities
Linking athletes to community engagement opportunities that align with identified social issues and causes

The QAS Dream Twice Athlete Employment Program partners with Queensland businesses to provide QAS supported athletes with flexible paid employment.

South Australian Sports Institute

National Institute Network

South Australian Institute of Sport

The South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI) Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement (AW&E) Program assists athletes to develop a balance between life activities and sports performance, with a strong focus on overall wellbeing. AW&E services are available to all SAI scholarship holders, and National Sporting Organisation athletes based in South Australia. Key services include:

Career pathways: empowering athletes’ understanding of their values, skills and preferences; acknowledging the changing world of work and employers’ expectations; and developing goals and a plan to achieve non-sporting aspirations.
Lifestyle management: balancing the commitments of sport, education and life; understanding athlete identities, their brand and presence in person, online and on paper; and supporting life outside of sport, so athletes are better positioned for optimising performance.
Educational guidance: assist in the navigation and understanding of educational pathways across all levels (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary); advocacy and liaison with schools and key stakeholders to ensure adequate support is available for student athletes; and access to resources and key contacts to inform athletes and significant others of educational opportunities.
Employment preparation: career information and resources to improve labour market awareness; assist in resume and cover letter development; and guidance through job search, application processes and interviewing skills.
Transitional support: providing services and resources to assist with non-selection, retirement, injury and relocation; navigating and adjusting to the challenges of significant life circumstances; and understanding and planning for life outside and after sport.

Victorian Institute of Sport

National Institute Network

Victorian Institute of Sport

The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Performance Lifestyle team supports the wellbeing of athletes and facilitates their personal and dual career growth for both now and through the myriad of transition points during their sporting career and beyond.

The Performance Lifestyle Team provides the following:

Support to pursue a dual career via career guidance and education advice.
Personal and professional development opportunities via individual athlete consults and athlete development workshops to facilitate the development of life skills and life plans.
Athlete wellbeing support and education.
Transition support and guidance for the various points of transition along an athlete’s journey in both sport and life. From induction to progression along the high performance pathway and then continuing transition support beyond the athlete’s sporting career.
Career and education opportunities.
Performance lifestyle support and education for VIS coaches and VIS athletes.
Performance lifestyle education sessions for families of VIS athletes.

Alumni Program

VIS Alumni. The alumni group provides current and former athletes and staff with a continued connection to the VIS and stay involved as part of the VIS family.

Tasmanian Institute of Sport

National Institute Network

Tasmanian Institute of Sport

The Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement services provides athletes with guidance, resources, and educational opportunities to achieve personal and professional empowerment.

This is driven through ﬁve work streams:

Mental Health
Conduct and Professionalism
Personal Development
Career and Education
Community Engagement

TIS Champions Club. The Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) established the TIS Champions Club in 2006. The Champions Club recognises TIS athletes who have made a significant contribution to the development of elite sport in Tasmania through their performances and interaction with various levels of the sporting and general community.

Western Australian Institute of Sport

National Institute Network

Western Australian Institute of Sport

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Advisors work with athletes to create the best platform for them to achieve optimal performances, within and outside of their sport, from their first say at WAIS though until, and including, their transition from sport. Athletes are supported to make informed considered decisions about their journey through sport, and life. Through a multifaceted approach, athletes are provided guidance, resources, and educational opportunities to achieve personal and professional empowerment and become professional, accountable, responsible, and resilient in their approach towards sport and life.

Focus areas:

Engagement: Opportunities for athletes to engage with their local communities, grass roots sport and national charities.
Mental Health: Access to best practice mental health information and education and individualised psychology services.
Career and Education: Access to information, advice and face to face or online learning related to education, career mapping, professional development and work experience.
Personal Development: Face to face or online learning related to wellbeing and personal growth.
Conduct and Professionalism: Advice on managing integrity issues; guidance and support to navigate ethical decision making within the high-performance environment; and provision of policies and procedures.

Sports

For more information on alumni or wellbeing services, please contact the relevant national sporting organisation or association.

Archery

Sport

Archery

Archery Australia

Alumni Program. This program aims to be mutually beneficial, by facilitating and funding Alumni to maintain connection with their sport and community for wellbeing benefit and contribute to the development of athletes and staff within the high-performance pathway of Archery. The aim of the Alumni program is to develop a directory of alumni athletes interested in maintaining connection with the sport of Archery, and to facilitate a range of engagements that support athletes to share their knowledge and experiences.

Athletics

Sport

Athletics

Australian Athletics

Australian Athletics’ Wellbeing and Engagement framework details services and resources available to high-performance athletes that supports athletes to find the right balance between wellbeing, engagement in activities outside of training and competition, and the requirements of elite sport.

The framework will support AAs high-performance athletes in the areas of;

Community Engagement: Opportunities for athletes to engage with their local communities, grass roots sport and national charities.
Wellness/ Mental Health: Access to the best practice mental health information and education and individualised psychology services.
Career and education: Access to information, advice and face to face or online learning related to education, career mapping, professional development, and work experience opportunities.
Personal development: Face to face or online learning related to wellbeing and personal growth.
Conduct and professionalism: Advice on managing integrity issues, guidance and support to navigate ethical decision making within the high-performance environment, and provision of policies and procedures.

Australian Football

Sport

Australian Football

Australian Football League (AFL)

Work Play. Workplay seeks to empower women athletes in football, including AFLW and VFLW players and women in umpiring, to pursue their sporting aspirations whilst developing successful off field careers.

Basketball

Sport

Basketball

Basketball Australia

Performance Wellbeing is a service area for elite athletes and coaches at Basketball Australia, embedded in each National Team and the High-Performance Pathway.

The eight domains of Performance Wellbeing include:

Emotional: Coping effectively with life and sport.
Cultural: Connecting with your values, identify and self.
Intellectual: Expanding your knowledge and skills.
Occupational: Satisfaction with your career and future plans, in and out of sport.
Physical: Maintaining the physical health required for performance and your life.
Social: Establishing a well-rounded support network and feeling connected to your community.
Financial: Comfort with your financial status and ongoing financial safety.
Environmental: Satisfaction that your personal and sporting environments generate success and safety.

The Win Well Arena maps the learning and development journey of high-performance athletes as they move through the performance pathway. The Learning and Development framework is guided by this journey and identifies a range of skills and knowledge sets that athletes can develop to support their performance and wellbeing outcomes.

The Change Room: Prepare yourself for the path ahead in high-performance.
The Tunnel: Learn and gather what you can to set yourself up for success.
The Bench: Apply yourself and your learning, refining your knowledge and skills to perform at your best.
The Court: Elevate your learnings by leading and living your legacy.
The Stands: Contribute to the arena by sharing your legacy and utilising your skills and support for what is next.

Cricket

Sport

Cricket

Australian Cricketers' Association

Game Plan provides a tailored approach to member wellbeing based on the different stages of career a player is at; whether at the early, middle or later stages. It provides a tailored approach to each individual’s needs across the pillars of; MyWellbeing, MyEducation; and MyCareer.

Access the GamePlan Next Member Transition Manual.

Diving

Sport

Diving

Diving Australia

The Diving Australia Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Manager (AW&E) provides support to National Squad athletes as they navigate HP programs, empowering them to find a balance between wellbeing, engagement in activities outside of training and competition, and the requirements of elite sport. This includes providing athletes with opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as ready access to tailored mental health (MH) servicing and meaningful community engagement initiatives.

Football

Sport

Football

Professional Footballers Australia

The Players' Journey is an enhanced player development and wellbeing platform. Via online learning and in-person tuition, the Players' Journey provides a flexible avenue for players to build skills and knowledge of the football industry, prepare for life after football and successfully navigate the varied challenges and opportunities professional football presents.

Golf

Sport

Golf

Golf Australia

The Female Workforce Development program supports final year female athletes/newly retired athletes in transition to working, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in golf. To learn more about the program or Golf alumni programs please email Djoeke Hoedemaker, Athlete and Wellbeing Manager/ High Performance Operations, Golf Australia

Professional Golfers Association Australia

PGA Professional Traineeship. The Membership Pathway Program (MPP) is the premier training and development pathway for aspiring golf professionals in Australia. It covers key areas such as coaching, game development, business management, and personal playing skills, ensuring well-rounded professional development.

Gymnastics

Sport

Gymnastics

Gymnastics Australia

Performance Wellbeing is intended to support athletes, coaches and families as they navigate Gymnastics Australia’s high performance pathway, empowering the, to find a balance between wellbeing, the requirements of elite sport, and engagement in activities outside of training and competition.

Hockey

Sport

Hockey

Hockey Australia

Kookaburras and Hockeyroos Alumni are for players who have represented Australia at hockey and been ‘capped’ as a Kookaburra or Hockeyroo at a sanctioned international match or tournament. Any former Kookaburras and Hockeyroos are encouraged to email alumni@hockey.org.au to register their interest and provide/update their details.

Olympic

Sport

Olympic

Australian Olympic Committee

Australian Olympians Association. The Australian Olympians Association (AOA) provides a connection for all Olympians through functions and events, support for fellow Olympians in need and support for the current and upcoming Olympians and the ideals of the Olympic movement.

Paralympic

Sport

Paralympic

Paralympics Australia

The Beyond Sport Mentoring Program aims to develop a universal co-designed model that facilitates holistic careers and support pathways for both Para-athletes and Employers. Key features include:

Mentoring and peer support: Connecting Para-athletes with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and inspiration. The Peer Support program aims to build a strong community of peers who can share experiences, offer support, and foster a sense of belonging.
Advocacy: Empowering participants to advocate for themselves and others, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all areas of life.
Inclusive recruitment: Development of inclusive recruitment tools and resources, working directly with Program Partners to co-design.
Skills building and employment opportunities: Providing opportunities for Para-athletes to develop essential life and careers skills that will benefit them both in and out of the sporting world. Building networks to support a meaningful career for all Para-athletes.

Rugby League

Sport

Rugby League

National Rugby League (NRL)

Wellbeing and Education. The NRL wants players and officials to be proud of the game they play and love, but also balanced in their approach to life. The NRL/RLPA Wellbeing and Education team want all in the Rugby League family to achieve success on the field as well as off it.

Rugby Union

Sport

Rugby Union

Rugby Union Players Association

The Advantage Line Player Development Program provides direct and specialist support to professional players, past and present. The six pillars identified in the program include:

Career and Education: Creating and advancing employment options for life after rugby.
Wellbeing: Managing the lifestyle and mental pressures of professional sport.
Financial Management: Implementing effective strategies for saving and financial security.
Cultural Awareness: Understanding (Pasifika) cultures and fostering inclusion.
Personal Toolkit: Advancing valuable skills to implement in life on and off the field.
Integrity and Obligations: Educating players of their responsibility to the game of Rugby Union.

There are also a number of player support services available for current and recently retired players for career and education opportunities, and health and wellbeing (Rugby Union Players Association).

Softball

Sport

Softball

Softball Australia

Softball Australia prioritises the overall wellbeing of athletes, coaches, and families within the high-performance pathway, and recognises the importance of nurturing a balanced approach to performance and wellbeing, empowering athletes to excel in sport and future careers.

Peak Performance Living provides athletes with support in the following:

Career and education.
Mental health.
Personal development.
Performance health.
USA college system pathways.

Water Polo

Sport

Water Polo

Water Polo Australia

Alumni Program. Water Polo Australia is celebrating the lives and careers of former Senior National Squad athletes, staff and touring referees through its reinvigorated Alumni Program. The Alumni Program will aim to connect generations of players, as well as host numerous networking events. Be sure to register your details and stay connected with the Water Polo Australia Alumni.

Winter Sports

Sport

Winter Sports

Snow Australia

Athlete Transition Support. Guidelines to assist Athletes navigate the process of transitioning out of sport, deselection from a team or non-selection to a team for an event such as the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement (AW&E) is embedded within the high-performance sport pathway through a sport specific framework co-created with the AIS. The framework details services and resources available to categorised athletes that focus on their holistic development, including:

Career/education guidance, professional development and work experience opportunities.
Personal development.
Community engagement and networking events.
Conduct and integrity education.
Mental health services.
Online education units on myAISplaybook.
Transition support.
Resources and support for parents, partners, and supporters.

References +

Life-stage transitions, Reach Out Australia, (accessed 27 February 2025).
Athlete transition – retirement, non-selection and deselection support guidelines, Snow Australia, (accessed 27 February 2025).
A lifespan perspective on the dual career of elite male athletes, Debois, Nadine, Ledon, Aurélie, Wylleman, Paul, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 21, pp.15-26, (November 2015).
Transitions in sport life, Kiuppis, Florian; Stambulova, Natalia B., Sport in Society, Volume 23(4), pp.557-559, (April 2020).
Win Well 2032+ Australia’s high performance sport strategy, Australia’s high performance sport system, (2022).
National HP Sport Eligibility framework, Win Well 2032+, (accessed 27 February 2025).
Transition From Sport: A review Of Player Association research into retired players, World Players Association, (2018).
The End of a Professional Sport Career: Ensuring a Positive Transition, Sophie Knights, Emma Sherry, Mandy Ruddock-Hudson, et al., Journal of Sport Management, Volume 33(6), pp.518-529, (2019).
Athlete Transition Journey, Australian Institute of Sport, (2025).

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Athlete Transitions in Sport

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Australian Sports Commission

National Institute Network (NIN)

Sports

Related Topics

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